Logan tells rivals for second to bring it on

SHAY LOGAN last night insisted clinching runners-up spot in the Premiership for the third year on the trot will secure a successful season for Aberdeen — and challenged their rivals for second place to bring it on.

The Pittodrie outfit were subjected to harsh criticism, not least from their own manager Derek McInnes, after surrendering to Motherwell in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup and bounced back well yesterday to end Kilmarnock’s 11-game unbeaten run — and tee up three home games against Hearts, Hibs and Rangers perfectly.

Logan believes they have to finish second to make up for the disappointments of the knockout competitions and feels a mixed record against the other sides in the top six over the season will mean nothing should they achieve their target.

‘We haven’t beaten Celtic and Rangers this year, but we have beaten Hibs twice and we still have them at home,’ said the right-back.

‘Everyone has to play each other again and we don’t fear anyone. These are the games that will see who is number one and number two. The table will tell its own story by the end.

‘We are in a great position. We got a great win that sets us up for Friday night (against Hearts) and we have three games at home now. We feel we can beat anyone at home, so bring them on.

‘We want to close out second place. Three home games in the split is welcomed and they are back-to-back, so I hope we can get a bit of momentum going.

‘People know coming to our place that we rarely get beaten. It will be a tough game for anyone who comes.

‘If we play as well as we played at Kilmarnock, we shouldn’t have a problem.

‘The cups can be about games on the day. In the league, you have 38 games and the top team will be the top team and so on.

‘If we finish second behind a massive club like Celtic, particularly with Rangers and the way Neil Lennon has Hibs playing, as well as Hearts and Kilmarnock, it will be a very good season.’